Sam Cane named new All Blacks captain at just 23

Sam Cane named new All Blacks captain at just 23

Sam Cane named new All Blacks captain at just 23

Sam Cane, at just 23, has become the new captain of the All Blacks rugby team, even if just for one match.

Cane will lead the team out for their second Rugby World Cup 2015 match against Namibia, in London, on Friday morning (NZ time).

He will become the fifth youngest player ever to take the reins of the team, but his best reward was a simple cuddle from his mum, and a vote of confidence from his coach, Steve Hansen, and team mates.

“I was quite fortunate that I had a bit of family come over. Mum and dad were at the game against Argentina and we had a bit of time off this morning, so I took them out for breakfast and told them in person, which was pretty nice.

“They were much the same as me when I first got told [surprised], but they were very, very proud obviously. Mum gave me a cuddle and it was nice to share it with them in person.”

Australia play in their first Rugby World Cup match on Thursday morning against Fiji. The All Blacks won their first pool match, against Argentina, 26-16.